But at one point, police chased a group of about 100 protesters who smashed the windows of city centre businesses including a Starbucks, Bank of America and McDonald’s as they denounced capitalism and Mr Trump.

Police in riot gear used pepper spray from large canisters and eventually cordoned off the protesters.

The group damaged vehicles, destroyed property and set small fires while armed with crowbars and hammers, police said in a statement.

Police said “numerous” people were arrested and charged with rioting.

The confrontation happened about an hour before Mr Trump was sworn in and began giving his inaugural address at the Capitol.

Trump supporter Brett Ecker said the protesters were frustrating but were not going to spoil his day.

“They’re just here to stir up trouble,” said the 36-year-old public school teacher.

“It upsets me a little bit that people choose to do this, but yet again, it’s one of the things I love about this country.”